June 27-July 4 is HIV Testing Week

Take Action—Get Tested

Lincoln - Over 2,400 Nebraska residents have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since reporting began in the state in 1983, according to data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, over 1,600 Nebraskans live with this disease.

One in three of the Nebraskans with HIV is unaware that he or she is infected, which translates to a potential of 800 additional infections in the state, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention methodology.

“There are many ways to take action to prevent HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer. “You can get tested, practice safe sex, decide not to engage in high risk behaviors, and talk about HIV prevention with family, friends and colleagues.”

An estimated 56,300 Americans become infected each year. That means that every 9 ½ minutes, someone is infected with HIV.

June 27 through July 4 is HIV Testing Week. There are clinics across the state that will do testing for free. A list can be found on the DHHS Web site: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/